Ep. 247: How Private Equity Really Works | Eric Wiklendt & Rick Segal on Buying & Scaling Manufacturing Businesses

What happens when a technology leader who's helped scale a therapy organization from 70 to 180 clinicians decides to build the tool he always wished existed? You get Ambiki — and you get Kevin Dias.Kevin is the founder of Ambiki, an EMR and practice management platform built specifically for pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy practices. Before launching Ambiki, Kevin served as CTO at Sidekick Therapy Partners, where he played a pivotal role in growing the organization from 70 to 180 clinicians in just three years. He knows firsthand what it takes to scale a therapy business — the operational chaos, the tech gaps, and the very real cost of using tools that were never designed with pediatric clinicians in mind.In this episode, co-host Rick Segal joins the conversation as Kevin pulls back the curtain on why he built Ambiki from the ground up, what makes pediatric therapy practices uniquely complex to run, and how the right technology can free clinicians to focus on what matters most — their patients. We also get into what it's like to build a U.S.-focused healthcare startup while living in Japan, the lessons he carries from his days as a CTO, and his vision for where pediatric therapy technology is headed.Whether you're a clinic owner, a therapist, or just someone fascinated by the intersection of healthcare and technology — this episode is packed with insight.Get your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

What does it take for a high-achieving executive to step off the traditional path, relocate to Spain, and build a life of true freedom — without sacrificing success? Billy Keels has done exactly that, and he's made it his mission to help other ambitious C-Level leaders do the same.Billy is a national bestselling author, the host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast Going Long, and an executive-level coach who works with driven leaders ready to grow beyond the boardroom. With a background in corporate leadership and real estate investing, Billy brings a rare combination of real-world experience and strategic clarity to every conversation.In this episode, we dig into what it really means to lead at the highest level — not just professionally, but in life. Billy shares how he helps C-Suite executives break through the invisible ceilings they've unknowingly built, why so many high performers are quietly unfulfilled, and the mindset shifts that change everything. Plus, we talk real estate, building wealth with intention, and what life looks like when you design it from the outside in — from sunny Spain.If you're ambitious, driven, and ready for more, this one's for you.Get your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

Jon Ostenson has seen both sides of the business world — 15 years climbing the corporate ladder, including a VP of Sales role at Carter's overseeing $350M in revenue, and then a full pivot into franchising. Now, as Founder of FranBridge Consulting and a top 1% franchise consultant in the US, Jon spends 90% of his time helping everyday people discover the freedom and wealth that come with owning the right business. In this episode, we dig into how to evaluate franchise opportunities, what most people get wrong before buying in, and why non-food franchises might be your best-kept secret.Download his book 'Non-Food Franchising' here:https://franbridgeconsulting.com/#contact Get your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

What do running ultramarathons and scaling a $283 million real estate portfolio have in common? Everything — if you're Jason Yarusi. This week, host Rick Segal joins the show as we sit down with the founder of Yarusi Holdings, a man who has built and exited a construction company, restaurants, a brewery, and now over 2,500 apartment units since 2017. Jason doesn't just talk about discipline and resilience — he lives it daily. We dig into his journey from hands-on builder to private fund manager, what it really takes to scale multifamily at this level, and why the mindset that gets you through mile 50 of an ultramarathon is the same one that closes deals.WLPWR Podcast Website: willpowerpodcast.orgGet your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

Ken Gee — Founder and Managing Member of KRI Partners — traces a remarkable career journey that took him from running Cessna flight schools in Northeast Ohio to closing over $2 billion in real estate transactions. With stops at a regional bank, Deloitte's M&A practice, and the front lines of multifamily investing, Ken breaks down what 26+ years in the trenches has taught him about capital, risk, and building lasting wealth through real estate.WLPWR Podcast Website: willpowerpodcast.orgGet your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

Welcome back to the show. Today's guest is someone who has spent decades making an unforgettable mark on both the big screen and daytime television. You know him as the intimidating Mike Barnes — the villain who squared off against Daniel LaRusso in Karate Kid Part III — a role he beat out over 2,000 other hopefuls to land. He then reprised that iconic character in Netflix's smash hit Cobra Kai. But his career didn't stop there. For years, he's been a fan favorite on one of the most-watched daytime dramas in the world, The Bold and the Beautiful, as the complicated, charismatic Deacon Sharpe. On top of all that, he's an Emmy Award-winning producer, a published author, a stand-up comedian, and a martial artist. Sean Kanan is truly one of a kind, and I am so glad to have him here today. Sean, welcome to the show!WLPWR Podcast Website: willpowerpodcast.orgGet your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Downs, Co-Founder and CEO of the Belrose Group, a company focused on acquiring and operating self-storage facilities across the country. With over 20 facilities and $50M+ in assets under management, Joe has built a scalable model in one of the most overlooked sectors of commercial real estate.We break down how he got started, why self-storage continues to outperform, and how he’s helping others enter the space and build their own portfolios. If you’ve been thinking about getting into commercial real estate—or scaling beyond residential—this episode is a must-listen.WLPWR Podcast Website: willpowerpodcast.orgGet your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

In this episode of the WillPower Podcast, Rick Segal and Will Holdren sit down with Eric Wiklendt, Partner and Managing Director at Speyside Equity, to break down what private equity actually looks like behind the scenes.With over 15 years at Speyside, Eric has been directly involved in sourcing, operating, and exiting investments across manufacturing businesses. Before that, he served as CEO of Kelix Heat Transfer Systems, giving him a unique operator-first perspective on how to grow and scale companies.We dive into how private equity firms identify opportunities, what makes a business attractive, and what really happens after an acquisition. If you’ve ever wondered how deals get done at a high level—or how to think like an investor—this episode delivers.WLPWR Podcast Website: willpowerpodcast.orgGet your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

In this episode of the WillPower Podcast, we are joined by Todd Dexheimer, Principal at Endurus Capital and VitaCare Living, to break down how he built a $550M+ real estate portfolio across multifamily, senior living, and commercial assets.Todd started investing during one of the most uncertain times in modern history—the 2008 financial crisis—and has since scaled into large institutional-level deals. We dive into what it really takes to grow in today’s market, how to think about risk, and why senior living is becoming one of the most compelling opportunities in real estate.If you're looking to scale beyond single-family or small deals, this episode is packed with insights on mindset, strategy, and execution at a high level.WLPWR Podcast Website: willpowerpodcast.orgGet your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog

In this episode of the WillPower Podcast, Will interviews Brian Murray—a multifamily investor with GP equity in over 15,000 units and co-founder of Open Door Capital, which has grown to over $1B in AUM.Brian shares how his journey started with building Washington Street Properties into an Inc. 500 company, and how that led him into the world of multifamily investing.But beyond the numbers, this conversation dives into something deeper—how success has shifted into purpose, and how he now spends much of his time serving others through Freedom Hollow Ranch and Sanctuary.If you’re thinking about building wealth and making an impact, this episode is for you.WLPWR Podcast Website: willpowerpodcast.orgGet your copy of Rick Segal's book, The Heart of It here: https://amplifypublishinggroup.com/product/nonfiction/business-and-finance/entrepreneurship/the-heart-of-it/Read Rick Segal’s blog: https://impactinvestorsegal.com/blog